Residents in Stone and across Staffordshire are being urged to seek support and look out for the signs of domestic abuse during the football World Cup.
The tournament kicked off on Thursday 11 June, with local agencies warning that while football does not cause domestic abuse, existing abuse can intensify around major tournaments.
Research has found that domestic abuse cases increase by 38% when England lose a match and by 26% when they win or draw.
Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, councils, police, health services and specialist domestic abuse services are working together to respond to the increased risk and make sure people know where to turn for help.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said
“Events like the World Cup are about supporting your team, spending time with family and friends, and bringing people together, and that’s exactly the spirit we should be protecting in our communities.
“But for some, home is not a place of safety, and we know these occasions can see a rise in domestic abuse. That is something we cannot ignore. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. If you are experiencing abuse, please know that support is available and you are not alone.
“Just as importantly, look out for one another. If something doesn’t feel right with a friend, neighbour or family member, trust your instincts and act. A simple check-in or speaking up could help keep someone safe.”
Sarah Jane Colclough, Deputy Chair of the Stoke-on-Trent Domestic Abuse Partnership, said
“Domestic abuse often happens behind closed doors, and too many people suffer in silence.
“At times like this, it is even more important that we recognise the signs and have the confidence to act.
“Domestic abuse is never acceptable, and it is never the fault of the victim. But change is possible, and we want people to know that there is support available both for those experiencing abuse and for those who want to take responsibility for their behaviour.
“Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, we are working together to hold perpetrators to account and to make sure that anyone affected knows where to turn for help. Support is available for everyone affected by domestic abuse, including those who recognise their own behaviour and want to make changes.
“You will be heard, you will be believed and you will be supported.”
Superintendent David Kelsall, Staffordshire Police’s lead for domestic abuse, said
“We know that domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of background, age, or gender and it is often hidden from view. Our partnership work to tackle domestic abuse and support those at risk of harm will continue throughout the World Cup period.
“We’ll be out and about in our towns and cities during this time, responding to concerns and working proactively to help keep people safe. Alongside this, we will continue to work closely with our partners to support those experiencing abuse and to take action against those responsible. We also want to make it clear that support is available for people who recognise harmful behaviour in themselves and want help to change.
“I would gently encourage anyone who is worried about abuse, whether for themselves or someone they know, to report their concerns to us. We understand that reaching out isn’t always easy, but by coming forward we can work together with our partners to provide the right support, protection, and support pathways to safety.”
Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.
For non-emergency support, residents can contact New Era, a free and confidential specialist support service for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. New Era can be contacted on 0300 303 3778, 24 hours a day, or through its website.
Other specialist domestic abuse support is also available across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Glow can be contacted on 0330 0945 559.
Pathway can be contacted on 01543 676 800.
Staffordshire Women’s Aid can be contacted on 0300 330 5959.
Support is also available for people who are concerned about their own behaviour and want to make changes. The New Era Behaviour Change Service can be contacted on 0300 373 5772 or by emailing behaviour-change@new-era.uk.
